This year, the NFL will play two regular-season games in London for the first time ever. The first one came today, when the Vikings held off the Steelers, 34-27.
Next year, that number could expand by 50 percent.
Per a league source, the NFL could decide to add a third game as early as 2014. The decision will be driven in large part by the success of the two games played in London in 2013.
At their next meeting on October 8, owners will be briefed on international business, with a focus on London. Key points will include fan base, sponsor base, and TV deals.
As Peter King of TheMMQB.com mentioned during Football Night In America, Jacksonville’s interest in playing two games in London (one “home” game, one “road” game) could be diminishing. The team’s experiences from their recent two-game West Coast swing (at Oakland, at Seattle) has shown the organization that long road trips aren’t much fun.
Then again, getting blown out every week isn’t much fun, either.